The Mumbai Indians are getting busy in the trade market with days remaining for the IPL 2026 retention deadline. After making their interest in the availability of Lucknow Super Giants' Shardul Thakur, MI are close to signing the Kolkata Knight Riders leg-spinner Mayank Markande. A report in The Times of India says discussions between the two teams have reached an advanced stage. An official announcement may happen sooner rather than later. The deal, however, is likely to be an all-cash trade, though it is still not clear if any player swap is part of the agreement. A Possible Homecoming for Markande If the move is completed, it will mark a return to Markande's first IPL team. The Punjab spinner made his debut for MI in 2018 and went on to have an excellent season, picking up 15 wickets in 14 matches. His impressive performances that year even earned him an India call-up in 2019. The arrival of Rahul Chahar in 2019 limited Markande’s chances, and after a short stint with Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders, the leg-spinner’s IPL journey has come a full circle. Interestingly, he was picked by KKR for ₹30 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction but didn’t play a single match last season. Markande's overall IPL record stands at 41 wickets in 39 matches with a best of 4/27 and an economy rate of 7.41. His control and variation make him a valuable option, especially on slow pitches. Mumbai Indians Strengthening Indian Core For IPL 2026 Seems like Mumbai is gearing up to trade for its Indian players while resting on the senior stars' shoulders. The probable addition of Shardul Thakur offers balanced pace and all-round capabilities while adding Markande will strengthen spin options alongside Vignesh Puthur and Karn Sharma. With Jasprit Bumrah and Deepak Chahar, the bowling setup is already in very good shape. Their overseas core intact includes Ryan Rickelton, Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, Will Jacks, and Allah Ghazanfar. Thus, MI will look to sign a couple of overseas backups in order to finish filling their squad with the likes of a finisher and fast bowler at the Mini Auction for IPL 2026 set for December 15.